These two women are sent by Jesus to tell the good news to the other disciples.
If Jesus wants to meet the disciples in Galilee, why doesn't he go and tell them himself? Because the risen Christ acts through others. His appearances weren't favorts to selected individuals. He manifested himself in order to send the newborn Church on its mission. In today's passage, we see him send Mary Magdalene and the other Mary on a mission.
Notice that Jesus refers to the other disciples as "my brothers." He had done this during his ministry, but that was before they had failed miserably and abandoned him in Gethsemane. But the Lord came for sinners. He mercifully restores them to full discipleship by referring to them again as "my brothers." They are forgiven.
These are the beginnings of the Church. At its roots there is a sense of mission - passing on the good news and a sense of forgiveness.
Those are two traits we must never lose. But along the way there have been times when one or the other is weaker or stronger.
Which is most needed in our time? In your life?
- Little White Book, Diocese of Saginaw